Dream Inn Santa Cruz Interior photoDream Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photoDream Inn Santa Cruz Macro Details photo
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From222US$ /night
Check-in
19Apr2026Select date
Check-out
20Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
-
Steps from the Santa Cruz Wharf
Great
8.8
9.1
/10
4.6
4.3
/5

Accommodations

The Dream Inn Santa Cruz is the only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz, providing direct access to Cowell Beach. Rooms such as the Ocean View Deluxe King and Ocean View Cathedral Executive King feature private balconies and vaulted ceilings. Each room offers sweeping views of Monterey Bay and is equipped with modern amenities for convenience.

Event Spaces

Spanning 3,500 square feet, the Dream Inn offers three flexible event spaces, including the Dream Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. This beachfront location is ideal for meetings and events, accommodating up to 200 guests. Professional catering services provide locally sourced cuisine for a memorable dining experience.

Location

Positioned on the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the hotel gives guests quick access to entertainment and dining options. It's a few steps away from iconic spots such as Steamer Lane and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Guests can easily explore nearby attractions, including Natural Bridges State Beach.

Dining

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge offers a menu focused on seasonal local ingredients, emphasizing fresh seafood from the Monterey Bay. Guests can dine indoors or enjoy meals on the patio with stunning ocean views. Poolside dining is available for those who wish to relax while enjoying food and drinks.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Families can enjoy various amenities at the Dream Inn, including spacious rooms with multiple bed options for comfort. There are beach toys available for children at the Dream Shop for their beach adventures. The pool area offers cabana beds, providing a relaxing spot for family fun.

Highlights

Location: Only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz

Rooms: Ocean View accommodations with private balconies

Dining: Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge serving local seafood

Events: 3,500 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space

Accessibility: Direct access to Cowell Beach

Activities: Close proximity to Steamer Lane and Santa Cruz Wharf

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll along West Cliff Drive for stunning coastal views.
  • Taste the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk cinnamon roll.
  • Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum for local surf history.
  • Explore Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park's majestic trees.
  • Don't miss the Santa Cruz Farmers Market on Wednesday evenings.
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Select your room type

Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Ocean View Suite Tower
2 persons
475 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
Ocean View Deluxe Two Queen
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Ocean View Cloud Two Queen
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Ocean View Executive Two Queen
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
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Facilities

Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Fireplace
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite

At the Dream Inn Santa Cruz, dining is a delightful exploration of local flavors infused with the essence of the stunning coastal setting. Guests can savor each moment at the Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, where family-friendly warmth meets an inviting romantic atmosphere, perfect for memorable meals at any time of day.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

Local Californian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood
Ambiance
A cozy setting featuring seaside views, perfect for families and couples alike.
Key Offerings
Dine on locally inspired dishes that celebrate the bounty of the Pacific, along with craft cocktails and a welcoming lounge for after-dinner relaxation. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, and dinner experiences.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended.
Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner; hours vary.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz Location

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Map view
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Nearby
Harbour
Santa Cruz Wharf
800 ft
35 Pacific Ave
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
900 ft
Lighthouse Point West Cliff Drive
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse
1900 ft
Store
Cowell Beach
800 ft
Store
Cowell's Beach Surf Shop
1200 ft
Restaurants
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
700 ft
175 West Cliff Drive
Ideal Bar & Grill
900 ft
106 Beach St
The Picnic Basket
1100 ft
125 Beach St
Sawasdee By The Sea
1300 ft
101 Main St Casablanca Inn
Casablanca Bistro
1600 ft
101 Main St
South Beach Pizza Company
1700 ft
303 Beach St
FireFish Grill
2200 ft
25 Municipal Wharf
Riva Fish House
2200 ft
31 Municipal Wharf
Beach Street Cafe
1900 ft
399 Beach St
Splash
2800 ft
49A Municipal Wharf
Stagnaro Bros Seafood
3800 ft
Municipal Wharf
Explore Santa Cruz
Nearby Activities and Attractions
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11-minute walk
An iconic amusement park featuring rides and games by the beach, perfect for a day of family fun.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
15-minute walk
A small museum dedicated to surfing history, showcasing local surf culture and memorabilia.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4-minute walk
A captivating center with exhibits on marine life and conservation, ideal for families and nature lovers.
Cowell Beach
Cowell Beach
3-minute walk
A stunning beach known for surfing and swimming, offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Surfing Lessons
5-minute walk
Thrilling surfing lessons available through local shops at Cowell Beach, catering to all skill levels.
Well Within Spa
Well Within Spa
15-minute walk
A serene spa offering massages and wellness treatments, perfect for relaxation after a day of activities.
Mountain Biking at Pogonip Park
10-minute drive
Exciting mountain biking trails suitable for all levels, showcasing beautiful landscapes and nature.
Santa Cruz Farmers Market
17-minute walk
Weekly market featuring local produce, crafts, and live music, typically held on Wednesdays.
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
3-minute walk
Cozy venue offering fresh seafood and local dishes with stunning ocean views from the patio.
Ideal Bar & Grill
Ideal Bar & Grill
4-minute walk
A lively spot with a casual atmosphere, specializing in burgers, tacos, and craft beers.
The Picnic Basket
The Picnic Basket
4-minute walk
Charming cafe known for its locally-sourced ingredients and delicious sandwiches and salads.
Casablanca Bistro
Casablanca Bistro
6-minute walk
Intimate bistro serving Mediterranean cuisine, offering an extensive wine list and cozy ambience.
Cocoanut Grove
10-minute walk
A historic venue hosting events, live music, and dance nights, easily accessible for all ages.
Pacific Garden Mall
Pacific Garden Mall
17-minute walk
Open-air shopping area with street performers, cafes, and boutiques, great for a leisurely stroll.
The Catalyst Club
20-minute walk
Live music venue popular for concerts and nightlife, offering diverse shows all week long.
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
20-minute walk
Historic venue featuring concerts, shows, and events, providing a range of entertainment options.
Getting around
City Centre
Santa Cruz15 min  ·  4000 ft
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC)83 min  ·  34.0 mi
Monterey Peninsula (MRY)103 min  ·  42.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at USD 35 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2008
Number of floors:
10
Number of rooms:
165
Former name
Coast Santa Cruz Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Dream Inn Santa Cruz from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 871 verified reviews
9.0/10
Perfect
88%
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
9.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Guest reviews
based on 871 reviews
9.0/10
based on 3752 reviews
4.5/5
based on 795 reviews
8.8/10
Sebastian from Germany
Single
Ocean View Cloud King
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 26, 2026
9.3/10

Fantastic Beachfront Hotel

easy check-inlate check-outcomfortable bedamazing view
The check-in was easy. I received a late check-out, which I appreciated a lot. The room was clean and spacious and included a nice shower and a comfortable bed. The views from the balcony were amazing. Waking up for sunrise is a must.
Location
10/10
The hotel provides unparalleled access to the beach and the wharf. It is really good. You can easily walk along the ocean for more views and to immerse yourself in nature, very calming and enjoyable.
Rooms
9/10
The hotel rooms feature a chic retro style that makes them feel elegant and comfortable. Rooms are spacious, clean, and well-equipped with all necessary amenities.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel has a lovely pool and a hot tub for relaxation. The pool is great. The hotel also offers bikes for rent. This is a convenient and appreciated amenity.
0 Helpful
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FAQs
About Dream Inn Santa Cruz
What attractions are close to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Nearby attractions include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (0.5 km), Ocean View Park (0.5 km), and Natural Bridges State Beach (2 km).
What are the check-in and check-out times at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have a pool?
Yes, the hotel features a renovated outdoor heated swimming pool open year-round.
What on-site dining options are available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel features the Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, offering locally sourced cuisine with ocean views.
What room amenities are available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Rooms offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, and private balconies with ocean views.
Is there a bar at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Yes, the hotel has a bar/lounge area where guests can enjoy snacks and beverages.
How far is Dream Inn Santa Cruz from Mineta San Jose International Airport?
The hotel is 55 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What are some nearby dining options to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Nearby restaurants include Ideal Bar & Grill (0.5 km), Las Palmas Taco Bar (0.5 km), and The Picnic Basket (0.5 km).
Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz offer any recreational activities?
The hotel provides complimentary Beach Cruisers, has a golf course on-site, and offers access to beach activities.
Are there any wellness facilities at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel features a hot tub and offers wellness programs on-site.
Is high-speed internet available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.

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19Apr2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room